Jah2000

I am well aware, that an Ap2 wheel/tire upgrade, is one of the easiest, fastest and cheapest ways to improve handling, add much more grip, more tire choices, as well as modernize appearance, for an Ap1 (pretty obvious). But, I am wondering who here actually does Not (ever) plan to upgrade to 17" Ap2/aftermarket wheels and actually loves their small 16" more?

It's easy to find some Ap2 wheels locally for $400-600 in good condition. But, I am thinking of just sticking with the Ap1 wheels. Reasons:
- Keep it true original, oem and nostalgic
- Looks much more low-pro, incog, cheaper and sleeper (towards police, general public and also thieves).
- Smaller 16" wheels have their own "cool" factor going on by looking more "old-school" (like say small wheels on older jdm cars, ae86, old Miata, an old British roadster, etc.)
- They remind me of old Mugen RNR wheels
- Not sure if they're lighter. I think I've read the bigger Ap2 are actually lighter
- Smaller width for sure has more speed and less drag on long straights and maybe more nimble/sensitive/responsive steering-feel (I believe the wider tires you go, the more "numb" it feels..no?)

So..who here loves their tiny Ap1 wheels and doesn't ever plan to upgrade to Ap2 nor aftermarket wheels?

RedCelica

People can't give the ap1 wheels away...two cases in point

1. Me
2. https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/113...-sets-of-ap1s/

Even with tires....

freetors

I don't mind the style of them but they machine cut faces look kind of flashy compared to the rest of the car. Also the faces stick out pretty far so it's easy for absent minded mechanics to chip the clear coat and get oxidation on the aluminum.

Grip Hrd

I carried the same sentiment when I had my AP1 three years ago and said to myself that I wanted to keep the AP1 look because I knew how clean my S was and wanted to present how a clean AP1 should look like. But after three years that had gone by I had upgraded to AP2V2. I thought the AP1 wheels was gorgeous and still do and I don't mind AP1 wheels as long as they are in very good condition no fade in clearcoat and etc. You made some great points and also I believe the tires are less expensive probably saving $100-$200 in replacement in pairs. I am in favor of keeping the whole AP1 anthem

Here are some pictures hope you guys don't mind. I am sure you guys like pictures here on the forum anyway.


When I first had gotten my S


When I had the wheels powdercoated gunmetal grey



And recently

darcyw

i love the OEM 16's. I have 2 sets- one OEM finish, and one white.

Incidentally, i also have 2 sets of AP2v1's- one very good OEM finish, and one set DIY refinished - both for autocross.

darcy

Jah2000

Nice GPW @Grip Hrd

That an oem lip or aftermarket? I want one too.

Manga_Spawn

I mean yes I like keeping them if your car is minty and original however there is no rule that says you can keep the AP1 wheels in the garage and drive around on some AP2 wheels since they offer so many benefits.

Grip Hrd

Thanks man!, no it was not OEM, there is no way of finding one, if you can it'll be torn-up and cost you $450 and you'll have to get it fix and have it painted....yeah right .

I bought it from a highly-vouched seller on ebay that everyone speak highly of. It fit almost perfect (there were gaps front curvature), if you wanted to make it perfect like I did (you should), you'll need a heat gun and possibly sanding paper 350 grit which I used. Line up the lip using books holding up, and look at the gaps and etc. and use a heat gun to make it fit tight and you might need to use sanding paper which I had to do. But I highly recommend the ebay seller, I hear that it is a hit or miss, if the lip is seriously awkward send it back and ask for another. Make sure you find a quality painter that does a quality paint job and you'll be fine

Jah2000

Thx for the info. I did only brief research on it before (the recommended sellers keep changing over time I've noticed). Who's the seller?

Maximum6

16 inch is awesome, unfortunately it doesn't warrant a discount in price of tires that is enough for a slight downgrade in performance